I started working from/at home when I found out I was pregnant with my first. Here are some ideas that would allow you to work mostly AT home. From home can be an issue, and not unlike working away from home in a traditional job. I started a computer repair and consulting business. I started small with just a few basic services then built up as I learned more and more at home on computers I built from used parts, and ... ehem ... trash piles. For the Computer business I started with cleaning up viruses and malware with free software. I charged for this what people typically pay for a new set of Norton of McAffee AV software. This meant they got clean up service and updated software for same price. I also replaced modems (back before high speed was so affordable). Now you could replace wirless devices, network cards, and install and set up wireless networks in home. Many folks need a repeater put in place and are unaware of them. I started out building custom systems, then pricing changed and I could no longer do so with a profit, so I started giving pre- purchase interviews then helping poeple select and order systems from either Staples, or directly from Dell. I charged an all inclusive price for consulting, ordering delivery, setup, and orientation. But, Dell ,or HP or XXXX held the warranty issues, instead of me. It was totally a win win and I made the same as if I had built the system and installed the software etc etc etc. Cooking for Bachelors or Elderly. many fellows want to eat better, but are too lazy, despite the fact they make good money. You can shop and prepare it in their kitchen to avoid health department issues that arise in most areas if you cook at home. Fix prepared meals that can be frozen, and place salads in fridge etc. Bookeeping with Quickbooks blow a couple of hundred dollars on the software, have the IRS and the state send you all of the documentation relating to business and payroll and practice withe the sample business data until you are good. Google, the IRS and various other sourses are running over with information. In a year and a half you could have this knowledge down pat so you could work from home for a couple or more small businesses. You would not believe what they pay for payroll processing and to have a bookeeper process reciepts and checks for them. I did this for a couple of service businesses in the early 90's and started out by going to the first fellows CPA at his expence and asking him what he needed me to do so things lined up with his system and if there was anything I needed to watch for that was not on my bulleted items list. Personal Business Manager many times quite well paid people have difficulty keeping up with bills, mail etc. You may be able to charge a monthly fee to keep up with such for them, take their cars in for service, detailing, inspections, be present when repairmen come to their home etc. Pick up dry cleaning, packages, etc. If they make say 80-100K a year, what it costs them to take part of a day off, would likely pay your monthly fee. You can take kids with you for this stuff and get your own stuff done in the same trip, while getting to right off miliage, cell phone, computer connection, and office space. I figured out that If I stayed with my kids, that the first 150+ a week I would have paid for day care was saved. Lunch money, clothing money, etc etc, all added up such that I only had to make about a third as much from home as I would have needed if I had outside work.
I have an online business selling jewelry making supplies on Etsy. I locate wholesale suppliers, buy products, repackage them into smaller lots, list them, sell them, and mail them. It a pretty good side business, and I have complete control over how busy I want to be. If I list more, I sell more. Good luck! Edie
I don't know if anyone has suggested this yet, but I would look into medical transcription.. I don't have a degree or certification or anything and was able to get into it. It's good money, once you get good at it. I'd look into local hospitals, psychiatric institutions, counseling places, anything medical really and find out about what they have available for that
